Police launch drink and drug driving initiative

Derbyshire Police kicked off a summer drink and drug driving campaign over the weekend, urging drivers to “make the right choice”.

The campaign was launched on Saturday, June 1, and runs nationally throughout June. In Derbyshire, however, it has been extended until the end of August.

Officers will be targeting afternoon drinkers in pub beer gardens and people under the age of 25, who are often over-represented in the drink-drive figures.

Derbyshire Constabulary has again teamed up with Crimestoppers for the campaign. The charity has offered a reward of up to £1,000 for information leading to the arrest and charge of a drink-driver.

During the June 2012 campaign, in Derbyshire there were a total of 460 breath tests administered of which 120 were positive, refused or failed to provide a sample. Of those positive tests, 79 were as a result of collisions and 41 were through positive police action.

Chief Inspector Steve Wilson, head of Roads Policing, said: “Not everyone who is caught drink-driving has been out socialising but a large percentage may have been. People need to be aware of the length of time alcohol can impair your judgement, with some drivers still being over the legal limit the morning after drinking the night before.

“It is also extremely dangerous to try and calculate alcohol levels – it depends on so many factors such as age, weight and food intake during the day. Those who attempt to calculate whether or not they are over the limit are not only putting themselves but other road users at risk.

“Our message is simple. If you’re having a drink, don’t take the risk of getting behind the wheel.”

Convicted drink drivers get a criminal record, lose their driving licence for at least a year and they also risk losing their job and increased insurance premiums.

To report a drink-driver contact police on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. If you witness an offence taking place call 999.

For more information about Crimestoppers visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org.